Women of distinction/Chapter 94
CHAPTER XCIV.
MISS GEORGIA MABEL DeBAPTISTE.
Miss DeBaptiste's native home is Chicago, Ill., where she received most of her education, completing her course of study in Evanston, Ill. She also took a musical course.
When very young she was much interested in literary work, and when she became an advanced student she
MISS GEORGIA MABEL DeBAPTISTE.
accepted the offer of being a regular correspondent of several papers and a magazine. She continued to write for some time after she completed her school course.
Her father, Rev. R. DeBaptiste, D. D., of Chicago, Ill., is her only living parent, her mother having died when she was five years old.
Miss DeBaptiste served as private secretary to the president of the State University, Lonisville, Ky., and Dr. Simmons wrote the following compliment, which she appreciates very highly:
With her strict application to duty, her untiring perseverance, and her sweet, lady-like demeanor, she cannot do otherwise than win the hearts of those with whom she comes in contact. Her determination to overcome difficulties and her ambition to accomplish great good attract all whom she meets.
She was instructor in music in the Selma University, Selma, Ala., one year, was re-elected, but owing to a failure in health, because of the change of climate, she could not return. She was then summoned to a position in Lincoln Institute, Jefferson City, Mo., as assistant teacher in language and instructor in music, and after two years' work she resigned and received the following compliment from the faculty:
During Miss DeBaptiste's stay of two years we have found her to be earnest, zealous, upright and amiable, desiring at all times the good of those around her, and ever working for that good, often at the sacrifice of self. As a teacher she has given thorough satisfaction to all concerned, both in respect to ability and to character. She is scholarly, talented and refined, and is held in the highest esteem by all the students and her co-workers in Lincoln Institute.
Prof. Page said the following:
Miss DeBaptiste has made an excellent record as a faithful and conscientious teacher. By her moral character, as well as her work as a teacher in the class-room, she has left a lasting impression upon all who have been associated with her.
The president of the Board of Regents said:
We cheerfulh' speak of the faithfulness of Miss DeBaptiste as a teacher and of her lady-like deportment.
The secretary of the Board said:
We accept Miss DeBaptiste's resignation with regret, but with full confidence and respect. She has given evidence of excellent training, clear discernment, upright character, irreproachable demeanor, earnestness and ability, and I cheerfully speak of her as a lady and a teacher.
It was the intention of Miss DeBaptiste, when resigning, to rest from her very taxing labors of teaching for a time and assist her father in his work, but the Baptist College, located at Macon City, Mo., was in need of teachers, and urged her acceptance of a position. Being desirous of doing all that she could for her race and her denomination, which she dearly loves, she went there and is earnestly striving to do all that she can.
This is a young field, but prospects are most encouraging.
Miss DeBaptiste loves literary pursuits, and, although she has many pressing duties, she has not given up this work. She aims to be one of real power of mind and character, with true dignity of soul, not for mere social attainments, but that such might only be the outward expression of inward grace and courtesy. Miss DeBaptiste is one of the progressive young women of the race. She is not only at home in the school-room, but also in social and literary circles as well as at the musical instrument.
Courteous, sweet in temper, and yet of a decided and commanding bearing, charitable, devoted and true.